Smith & Wesson 9mm Models

[Juna]

Ok, so I've read abou the "59--", the "69--", and some that are followed by "TSW". What do all these numbers and letters mean? I assume there's a logical system to the coding for these, and I'm wondering what it is. What do the first, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th digits mean? Someone mentioned something about this once, but I couldn't find it...

I'm looking at affordable (for me right now, anyway) 9mm's, new or used. I've been told about these used 69-- and 59-- as well as sw99 and sw9ve. Just trying to sort these out b/c I wasn't previously considering S&W b/c of the higher price, but used there are some good deals out there.

Thanks in advance!

 

[albanian]

S&W numbering system is stupid, period. I have been trying to figuire it out for some time now and just when I think I got it, along comes an exception.

Basically what you are going to find in the used market of police trade ins are the 5906 and 6906. You will also see 6904, 6943, 6946. There is a list somewhere that explains it all but it doesn't hold true for all models so don't believe it 100%.

BTW, I just got a 6906 that is very good. I can recomend that one as well as the 3913 that I got a while ago. I also have shot the 5906 and as soon as a good deal happens my way, I will have one of those as well. I think these are three of the best 3rd gen S&W autos.

 

[KurtC]

3rd Generation Model Codes

39xx = single stack 9mm
59xx = double stack 9mm
69xx = compact double stack 9mm

10xx = 10mm
40xx = .40 S&W
45xx = .45 ACP

xx0x = full length barrel TDA
xx1x = compact barrel TDA
xx2x = full length barrel Frame Decocker
xx3x = compact barrel Frame Decocker
xx4x = full length barrel DAO
xx5x = compact berrel DAO
xx6x = mid size barrel TDA
xx7x = mid size barrel Frame Decocker
xx8x = mid size barrel DAO
xx9x = Special Order

xxx0 = Scandium frame
xxx3 = Alloy frame silver
xxx4 = Alloy frame black
xxx5 = Steel frame blue
xxx6 = Stainless frame
xxx7 = Stainless frame Slide Decocker
xxx8 = Special Order

It is actually a very effective coding system for administrative purposes. The only problem is that the Performance Center also makes custom guns based on the 2nd Generation frames, which used a 3-digit code.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

Only exception to the XXX6=stainless frame is 6900 series guns. All 6900 series have aluminum frames.

I happen to like 3rd Generation autos. Once you get used to the numbering system, you can tell exactly what somebody is talking about. The TSW, I believe, means Tactical S&W and is used to denote 3rd generation models with supposed accuracy and reliability improvements as well as, it seems, a cursed accessory rail on current models.

 

[albanian]

I wish they made a 6970 or a 6973.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

You want a 6926, I think (all black is 6924). Keep your eyes open you may come across one. Not much of a chance, but who knows. I've seen a picture, but never saw one for sale. You will find a discussion here:

www.smith-wessonforum.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/520103904/m/355106614/r/695106614#695106614

and here:

www.smith-wessonforum.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/520103904/m/612102114/r/332102114#332102114

and even mentioned here:

www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=103711

Only produced one year - 1991

No telling how many made. Standard Catalog of S&W doesn't have numbers for it.

Still had an aluminum frame.

 

[9mmhpfan]

Smith and Wesson makes awesome guns, but at one time they had a dizzying number of models out on the market. At the height of their model numbering craze they had to issue a whiz wheel to keep from hoplessly confusing their salesmen and gunstore owners. I would personally look at the sigma ve 40 or 9. These guns can be had for 300+ dollars in my area.

 

[albanian]

"I would personally look at the sigma ve 40 or 9. These guns can be had for 300+ dollars in my area."

That sounds like some advice I can do without. A SIGMA for more than $300? Not in this lifetime. I might do $100 if I had nothing else to waste my money on.